Factors Associated with Drug Use Among Youth Living in Homeless Shelters

SUMMARY

There have been only a limited number of studies that examine drag use among homeless youth and there have been no studies to date on drag use with adolescents living in homeless families. This study examined predictors of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use with homeless adolescents and preadolescents (N = 234) living in shelters for homeless families. Structured interviews were conducted on self-reported drag use, as well as background variables, social environmental influences, and individual characteristics hypothesized to promote drag use. Logistic-regression analyses revealed that social influences (friends and family drag use) are strong predictors of experimental drug use and intentions to use drags, as are several psychological factors (psychological well-being, assertive-ness, and social support). Implications of the findings for effective prevention programs for homeless and other high risk youth are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Drag Use
• Homeless
• Adolescents